So, a bunch of Australian celebrities have lent their support to a call for the milquetoast Trumble government to introduce anti-bullying programs to schools, with a focus on LGBTQ kids. The campaign includes the likes of Missy Higgins, Paul Mac and Guy Pearce among others.

This sounds great in theory, except it’s not. It’s not great by any stretch, it’s just laughable. Why? Because it calls for tolerance.

Not respect and understanding and acceptance and education – just tolerance.


The campaign is led by Troye Sivan, who is a gay musician. The letter he and this laundry list of celebrities are encouraging people to sign has a disturbing focus on mere tolerance, rather than y’know, the humanity of it all.

The letter mentions “tolerance” six times. Here are a few:

“…some United States programs are now combining anti-bullying and anti-domestic violence teachings. Importantly, these programs teach tolerance and respect of LGBTI people.”

“We would expect nothing less from any similar program that is rolled out in Australia. Such a program in Australia must include tolerance and mutual respect of LGBTI people at the core of its teachings.”

“Make no mistake of our request: we do not seek a program that seeks approval of the way certain members of our society live. We seek only mutual respect and tolerance.”

“Make no mistake of our request”? Are you kidding me? You mean, “Make no mistake, we do not wish to encroach upon you, good sirs; we merely want to skitter around beneath your feasting table eating the scraps from ’neath your divine boots.”

At best it’s simpering and eye-roll inducing. At worst, it is damaging. People might think it’s not a big deal, but perhaps they just need some perspective. For example, here is a small list of people we should just ‘tolerate’.

  • Women
  • Black people
  • Indigenous people
  • Disabled people

I mean, they aren’t really people, are they – just members of the less important branches of humanity. Their presence should be tolerated, because we are so benevolent as to allow them to exist in such cosy proximity to us. Aren’t we sweet?

So maybe now you can see how fucked it is to talk about queer tolerance. It’s dehumanising and pandering to a bigoted world view – one that can only be formed by looking at others as less than human. As something to merely tolerate.

Don’t sign this insipid letter. Toleration is for stuff like a co-worker’s bad breath, not for our lives.

This Week

On Friday May 12, Sydney’s original parody drag band, The Magda Szubanskis, are back with Starstruck, a most excellent show at Newtown’s Tokyo Sing Song. With special guest DJs Smithers and HipHopHoe, come join the crew for a night of divas and dancing with the group that started it all. Entry is free.

On Saturday May 13, head over to Giant Dwarf in Redfern for this month’s gathering of queer storytellers for Sydney Comedy Festival – Queerstories. Some of Sydney’s best comedians will be spinning yarns and having good times, including Geraldine Hickey, Jackie Loeb, Annaliese Constable, Bish Marzook and Brendan Maclean. The evening will be hosted by Maeve Marsden and the event is Auslan interpreted. Tickets are available now.

On Sunday May 14, House of Mince is turning six, and its party is on in Alexandria (location details are under wraps for now, but will be revealed closer to the date). Festivities will feature House of Mince resident DJs along with Boris & Volvox, with more to be announced. Tickets are available now and are going fast. So go get ’em.

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